Ian Rankin Tops Poll

The Cardenden writer is voted the best in Scotland.

Ian Rankin has been named Scotland's favourite writer of all time according to new research by tuition provider, Explore Learning.
 
In a survey to mark the final week to enter the National Young Writers' Award, the author of the Inspector Rebus series was named the nation's top writer, just beating Robert Louis Stevenson and Arthur Conan Doyle to the crown. 
 
The top 5 writers were listed as:
1. Ian Rankin
2. Robert Louis Stevenson
3. Arthur Conan Doyle
4. Iain Banks
5. Robert Burns
 
The research also found that Scotland was the most literary country in the UK, with 55% of people in Scotland reading every day for pleasure, when compared with 51% in England, 40% in Northern Ireland and 39% in Wales.
 
Despite the enduring popularity of reading in Scotland, 83% of Scots believe that children's appreciation of Scottish literature is at an all-time low, and spend far too much time playing games and watching TV.
 
Lise McCaffery, Curriculum Development Manager at Explore Learning in Scotland says: 

"We are thrilled to discover that we are a nation of readers but it's important to encourage our children to realise the rewards of writing too.  The novels of Ian Rankin and the classics of Robert Louis Stevenson and Arthur Conan Doyle are testament to the rich culture and history that we have as a nation.  
 
"The aim of the National Young Writers' Award is to encourage children to have a go at writing their own stories, inspire their imaginations and help them to really value the joy that it can bring."
 
The free competition is aimed at children aged five to 14 where they are asked to write a 500 word story to the theme ‘fairy tales and fables'.  Judged by best-selling author, Liz Pichon, the winning author will be awarded a trip to Disneyland Paris for their whole family and £500 worth of books for their school.  Children can enter by filling in an entry form via their local Explore Learning centre or online at www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters.  The closing date is Tuesday 3rd June.  

Rebecca Kemp is from Explore Learning.